Ophthalmic Pathology: The Field

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Eleazar82

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Hi all,

I just matched in ophthalmology last month, and I've been interested in ophthalmic pathology for a while. I've thought of pursuing fellowship training in that area, but I've recently heard the sentiment that it is a "dying field". Obviously, pathology is essential to the understanding of eye disease--so I'm cautious to believe this. But, do most ophthalmic pathologists either do a second fellowship or residency training in AP, so as to broaden their expertise?

Is it feasible to be a pathologist, yet still have the clinical time to see patients as a comprehensivist and do comprehensivist surgeries?

Also, what are the top training programs for this field? It seems that the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology has an excellent reputation in this circle. Any specific reason?

Thanks a ton. :D

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I've heard of ophthalmic pathologists in academic departments who also do some general ophthalmology and cataract surgery.
 
I think most ophthalmic pathologists also run a general (or other subspecialty like neuro) clinic. In fact, I can't think of many people that are purely ophthalmic pathologists (nonclinicians) So, yes, you can and usually do have time to have a clinical practice.
 
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shredhog65 said:
I think most ophthalmic pathologists also run a general (or other subspecialty like neuro) clinic. In fact, I can't think of many people that are purely ophthalmic pathologists (nonclinicians) So, yes, you can and usually do have time to have a clinical practice.

There are also some who do ophthalmic pathology + have a busy research program.

I do recall the chair of my medical school's department saying he would guarantee us a job and a nice office if any of us went into ophthalmic pathology.
 
Pastrami King said:
There are also some who do ophthalmic pathology + have a busy research program.

I do recall the chair of my medical school's department saying he would guarantee us a job and a nice office if any of us went into ophthalmic pathology.

There are very few ophthalmic pathologists (OP) in the country. Most of the OPs tend to focus on pathology. There are however, some that do both OP and see patients. When considering a place for fellowship, make sure you work with someone who is well-known and has been doing it for years. Be very careful about the Bascom Palmer ophthalmic pathology fellowship program!!!
 
I don't think it is a dying field. There will always be a need, and if you are really good at it, there will always be researchers wanting to work with you.

THat's a very intriguing statement about the Bascom fellowship - I'd love to hear more...... :)
 
The ocular pathology fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is unbelievable. It is an amazing opportunity for either a postgraduate fellowship or a fellow who has completed their ophthalmology training. Let me give you some insight as to why I know this is the case.
First, I recently completed a residency in Ophthalmology and a fellowship in retina at Bascom Palmer. During my time there, I had extensive interaction with the head of ocular pathology (also a retina specialist). He is a great guy and one of the best teachers in the institute as a whole. He has won the teaching award given by the residents and in years when he doesn't win the award, he is always on the list. He is an engaging teacher and an outstanding mentor.
Second, the wealth of clinical specimens that come through the eye lab at BPEI is unbelievable. You will see more interesting cases and obscure pathology than you can imagine.
Third, the fellows that have come through the ocular pathology fellowship at BP have all landed great ophthalmology residency positions or jobs.
It would be a huge mistake to think that the ophthalmic pathology fellowship at BP wouldn't be one of the best opportunities of your career!
 
MacRetina said:
It would be a huge mistake to think that the ophthalmic pathology fellowship at BP wouldn't be one of the best opportunities of your career!

I have no doubt you're correct. Just wondering: in a field as small as this, are some of the best teachers located in departments other than the absolute "biggest name" places? Specifically, I'm curious about the programs at Michigan and Emory. Obviously, these are very distinguished departments, but not as "recognized" as BPEI, Wilmer, Iowa, etc.
 
Eleazar82 said:
I have no doubt you're correct. Just wondering: in a field as small as this, are some of the best teachers located in departments other than the absolute "biggest name" places? Specifically, I'm curious about the programs at Michigan and Emory. Obviously, these are very distinguished departments, but not as "recognized" as BPEI, Wilmer, Iowa, etc.

Emory has an excellent ocular pathologist, Hans Grossniklaus. He is extremely well-known across the country and is board certified in anatomic pathology and ophthalmology. He has been at Emory for over 15 years and in addition to signing out Emory's cases, and cases sent from all over the Southeast, he has an active research lab. Best of all, he is active in teaching the residents and always has an open door.
 
Second Emory's Ocular Pathologist. He has one day of clinic. He did residency in anatomic path and ophthalmology. He has active research lab. He also sees patients one day a week and he does ocular oncology. And yes, one of the nicest Attendings you will meet. He does have a unique setup, in that he is super respected and well integrated in their ocular oncology dept, and there is enough volume at Emory to go around so the turf wars are minimal to nonexistent. The takeaway is that , it is almost impossible to make a living only doing ocular path. You have to round it out with clinic time, research time or both. The more research you do AKA the mroe grants you get, the less you have to worry about clinic, it becomes a luxury so to speak. I don't know where you matched, but if you don't have an ocular path at your institution, see if you can spend a week or two out there with him. I know the Vandy residents or one of the other tennessee programs go out there for a few weeks per year as well.

Other Ocular Pathologists that I know off. NEI has an ocular pathologist, but I think she may be retiring. Moran's ocular pathologist also has thriing cataract practice.
 
Second Emory's Ocular Pathologist. He has one day of clinic. He did residency in anatomic path and ophthalmology. He has active research lab. He also sees patients one day a week and he does ocular oncology. And yes, one of the nicest Attendings you will meet. He does have a unique setup, in that he is super respected and well integrated in their ocular oncology dept, and there is enough volume at Emory to go around so the turf wars are minimal to nonexistent. The takeaway is that , it is almost impossible to make a living only doing ocular path. You have to round it out with clinic time, research time or both. The more research you do AKA the mroe grants you get, the less you have to worry about clinic, it becomes a luxury so to speak. I don't know where you matched, but if you don't have an ocular path at your institution, see if you can spend a week or two out there with him. I know the Vandy residents or one of the other tennessee programs go out there for a few weeks per year as well.

Other Ocular Pathologists that I know off. NEI has an ocular pathologist, but I think she may be retiring. Moran's ocular pathologist also has thriing cataract practice.

Dr Eagle, Wills

Dr Dubovy, Bascom
 
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